Getting into reloading...

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John347

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So it has now come time I take the step into reloading! From one firearm came two then three and so on and so on..... And now reloading is the next step for me! I just got a press this Christmas and now the task of setting up the reloading room has come.I have some basic questions so any and all info is fantastic.

My soon to be re loading setup will be in the basement in a detached home. Reloading for my own personal use only.

1) Brass cleaned and not cleaned does it have to be stored or can it be left out of my firearm cabinet on my soon to be reloading bench in the basement?

2) projectile have to be stored?

3) Powder must be stored in a wooden box with 3/4" plywood along with said "brass screws" and said "brass hinges" on the outside with a lets say "brass hasp" what type of lock would then be used? An old gym lock? Or can 2 holes be drilled and a locking cable be used? 2kg out at any one time which makes sense. Any pics or suggestions would be helpful.

4) How much powder can be bought/stored at any one time since we all have diff ammo stored diff powder will be used for said ammo used during the year. I keep seeing 75kg but that's if you are selling? And 20,25kg along with 12kg??

5) Primers are primers and I read something about 10k worth at any one time within reason? Within reason can be 200 in the eyes of the law for all I know? If primers are on sale or whatever reason I would stock up on them because I don't feel like driving across the city for $6 worth of primers! So I would liek to stock up on them.

6) Do you store the primers in a separate wooden box with the same precautions as the powder? Or is your fire arm cabinet ok? My cabinet is running outa room!!!

7) When done reloading where do you store them? Leave them under the reloading table? Bring them upstairs in the linen closet where your "explosive signs" are clearly marked?

8) Lighting.... I have 3 keyless fixtures on a switch that hang low and might break so I am going to get 3 metal cages to prevent them to break the bulbs will either be CFL or LED... Is that ok in the eyes of the law or would they want me to use 2x4 or 1x4 T-8 fixtures with a wrap around lens?.

Of all items I think the lighting issue might be some tricky garbage right there?? Any thoughts would be helpful.
 
4) max 25Kg in a detached residence
5) no limit, as many as you can afford
6) I store mine in the same plastic tote as my powder
7) I store my powder on a shelf in the garage away from "unauthorized" persons, not a commercial magazine so no signs required
8) never have heard of any laws regarding light fixtures but in general I make it a point not to hit them with stuff. I use one of those magnifying circular florescent lamps mounted right on the stand that holds my press
 
Lights. If you use LED you will avoid the interference problem with a digital scales.

You want lots of light so you can easily check that each case has powder, and a similar level of powder.

Store bullets and cases anywhere you want, avoid damp places.
 
Ganderite said:
Lights. If you use LED you will avoid the interference problem with a digital scales.

You want lots of light so you can easily check that each case has powder, and a similar level of powder.

Store bullets and cases anywhere you want, avoid damp places.
Click to expand...

I too have heard to use LED lights (or incandescent) and to avoid fluorescent light in proximity to digital scales. Can't find the links right now, but there have been a few studies on this topic.
 
It sounds like you might be overthinking things. You don't need explosives signs unless that's part of the "art" in your reloading area. Store things to your own sensibilities. I can't think of a time where I've heard of Natural Resources giving a shyte about an individual reloading in any way. You don't get inspected by them and they don't collect the information slips you might fill out when buying supplies unless you pop up as an issue somehow which happens to people who make things they shouldn't that go tick tock and the like. The most important thing is to be sensible and safe.
 
So primers and smokeless powder can be stored in a plastic tote with no lock?

What about black powder? is the norm these days to use smokeless?


I didn't know about the scale with light issues!! I will stay with LED! Also yea I may be over looking things :)
 
From the link I provided earlier:

The acquisition, storage and sale of propellants and ammunition require a dwelling, a storage unit or an explosives licence depending on the quantity and type of explosives being handled. Any person handling explosives must be at least 18 years of age or older unless otherwise exempted by the Explosives Act and Regulations.

When propellant powders, percussion caps or black power cartouches are stored in a dwelling:

a. they must be stored away from flammable substances and sources of ignition. People not authorized by the user must not be given unlimited access to the propellant powder, percussion caps or black powder cartouches.

Translation: Don't leaving it lying around, keep it out of sight/reach of unauthorized persons.
 
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John347 said:
So primers and smokeless powder can be stored in a plastic tote with no lock?

What about black powder? is the norm these days to use smokeless?


I didn't know about the scale with light issues!! I will stay with LED! Also yea I may be over looking things :)
Click to expand...

I use a tote for convenience, a box, a shelf, whatever you want. There is no law that specifies anything other than the quantity allowed and the keeping it away most of the time from people who shouldn't have it.
As for the light issue, my mechanical beam scale doesn't seem to care what light falls on it but overall LED lights do have the advantages of long life and reduced energy costs, so why not use them.
 
Since you can buy all components for reloading without a PAL (just DL), the regulations only apply to completed ammo. Completed ammo and powder limits are relative to together - I.E. 25KG of all ammo and loose powder. 25KG loaded into .223 @ 23grs would yield 16,434 bullets (approx.), 18,000 of rds of 12 gauge #4 birdshot @ 20grs. Neither of these numbers would be considered illegal...but...they could seize based on danger to society - would be my guess..why, you don't need - all the same arguments.

Many don't understand these limits when they read "Large Cache of Ammo" new reports, in 99% of those case it did not exceed legal limits, but does sell papers. (most are illegal NON PAL holders to begin with)

I keep all my powder in a fire proof locker (Yellow one I bought from Safety store), I keep all other components of reloading in 6ft tall Metal cabinet I bought from Costco, I have second metal cabinet (Costco) for completed ammo. You should call your insurance company to see if you need extra coverage (some say)

ONLY EVER keep one can of powder on bench when reloading, and put away once used.

As with everything firearms, my mantra is go above and beyond requirements, double check once completed for any parts left out. I see it as, if inspected I won't give them one reason to find me non compliant (in their eyes, despite what laws are, their objective is seize and have you defend in court).

The only part I leave out is brass (fired), Shotgun Hulls (fired) and even then then are in 5 gallon pails, covered with lids.
 
OttawaHunts said:
Since you can buy all components for reloading without a PAL (just DL), the regulations only apply to completed ammo. Completed ammo and powder limits are relative to together - I.E. 25KG of all ammo and loose powder.
Click to expand...

If that's true can you please explain the following:

"A person may acquire and store up to 25 kilograms gross mass of smokeless powder for use in a detached dwelling or a storage unit attached to a detached dwelling. This value is inclusive of all the propellant powders at the dwelling."

"A person may acquire and store up to 10 kilograms gross mass of black powder for use in a detached dwelling or a storage unit attached to a detached dwelling."

"A person may acquire and store up to 225 kilograms net explosives quantity of ammunition for use in a dwelling."
 
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Your right, I was quoting from laws before Nov 16, 2018. WOW, glad I responded to this post. I am still safe, however had plans to increase my holding....wow

Before the regulations listed

75KG in semi detached

150KG single dwelling.

It stated it was not illegal to have more, but were required to apply for a magazine permit... CEA

WOW, wow, wow, and they notified nobody..

4n2t0 said:
If that's true can you please explain the following:

"A person may acquire and store up to 25 kilograms gross mass of smokeless powder for use in a detached dwelling or a storage unit attached to a detached dwelling. This value is inclusive of all the propellant powders at the dwelling."

"A person may acquire and store up to 10 kilograms gross mass of black powder for use in a detached dwelling or a storage unit attached to a detached dwelling."

"A person may acquire and store up to 225 kilograms net explosives quantity of ammunition for use in a dwelling."
Click to expand...
 
Need a sticky.

1) get and read the first 1/4 to 1/3 of at least one recent reloading manual. You know, the part that actually tells you how to do it.
2) go to u-toob and type 'beginning reloading' into the search bar. Watch a vid or two.
3) go back to the manual and read the first part again. You will be starting to understand what part goes where and what does what.
4) go back to u-toob and re-watch a couple more 'beginning reloading' vids. Continue watching some of the continuing series as they get more in-depth.
5) buy another reloading manual or two and read the first parts of them carefully. Maybe watch some of those 'how to' or 'reloading set-up' vids.
6) you should be ready by now to figure out what you really need. NEED is could be different from what you really WANT as finances, location, and time to reload dictate.
7) put a reloading setup together and with continuing input from both u-toob vids and more intense reading of sections of those reloading manuals the basics should become crystal clear.
8) start reloading. You WILL make some mistakes. Everyone does. Cases will get crushed when the wrong die is used at the wrong time. Gunpowder will be running out of the flash hole when you charge a case and missed setting a primer first. The bullet will fall out when you take what you think is a completed round out of the press because you missed resizing the neck somehow a few steps back. Learn from them. Take extreme care and go slow. Try not to make serious mistakes, they can be life changing if serious enough. Some of the most important steps are when you charge a case. Use the correct gunpowder. Never mix powders. Never have none, far too little, or far too much powder charge. Be extremely diligent in checking this EVERY TIME.

I am big fan of manuals. You can go back and re-read sections repeatedly if they are not clear. You can compare those same steps with what it says in another manual - or two; side by side, right in front of you. Good videos are great to understand the basic concepts but several good reloading manuals are the best for detailed info in my opinion.
 
OttawaHunts said:
Your right, I was quoting from laws before Nov 16, 2018. WOW, glad I responded to this post. I am still safe, however had plans to increase my holding....wow

Before the regulations listed

75KG in semi detached

150KG single dwelling.

It stated it was not illegal to have more, but were required to apply for a magazine permit... CEA

WOW, wow, wow, and they notified nobody..
Click to expand...

High Five!!

rick357 said:
Need a sticky.

1) get and read the first 1/4 to 1/3 of at least one recent reloading manual. You know, the part that actually tells you how to do it.
2) go to u-toob and type 'beginning reloading' into the search bar. Watch a vid or two.
3) go back to the manual and read the first part again. You will be starting to understand what part goes where and what does what.
4) go back to u-toob and re-watch a couple more 'beginning reloading' vids. Continue watching some of the continuing series as they get more in-depth.
5) buy another reloading manual or two and read the first parts of them carefully. Maybe watch some of those 'how to' or 'reloading set-up' vids.
6) you should be ready by now to figure out what you really need. NEED is could be different from what you really WANT as finances, location, and time to reload dictate.
7) put a reloading setup together and with continuing input from both u-toob vids and more intense reading of sections of those reloading manuals the basics should become crystal clear.
8) start reloading. You WILL make some mistakes. Everyone does. Cases will get crushed when the wrong die is used at the wrong time. Gunpowder will be running out of the flash hole when you charge a case and missed setting a primer first. The bullet will fall out when you take what you think is a completed round out of the press because you missed resizing the neck somehow a few steps back. Learn from them. Take extreme care and go slow. Try not to make serious mistakes, they can be life changing if serious enough. Some of the most important steps are when you charge a case. Use the correct gunpowder. Never mix powders. Never have none, far too little, or far too much powder charge. Be extremely diligent in checking this EVERY TIME.

I am big fan of manuals. You can go back and re-read sections repeatedly if they are not clear. You can compare those same steps with what it says in another manual - or two; side by side, right in front of you. Good videos are great to understand the basic concepts but several good reloading manuals are the best for detailed info in my opinion.
Click to expand...


I have watched so many vids and I attend to keep watching!!! Gotta pick up a book as well any suggestions? Modern Reloading (Second Edition) by Richard Lee?
 
John347 said:
High Five!!




I have watched so many vids and I attend to keep watching!!! Gotta pick up a book as well any suggestions? Modern Reloading (Second Edition) by Richard Lee?
Click to expand...

That is one of the good ones to start with. Especially good as it discusses dies which are relatively inexpensive and work. In particular, for rifle reloading, the Lee Neck Sizing Collet Die. A LOT of shooters swear by them. It is definitely not the same as the Lee Collet Style Crimp Die.
 
I started with Modern Reloading by Lee and Lyman. I like Lee becuase I too use a Lee press and dies so this manual more or less tells me exactly how to use the equipment I’ll be working with making the jump a little easier. I found Lyman helpful as it seems to have more load data and covers some steps better than Lee. For instance Lee only has one bullet weight for .38S&W whereas Lyman has 4 or 5 weights.
 
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